Maryland's Largest School District
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Career Pathways Program supports SEIU Local 500 unit members to identify career goals and obtain training and direction to achieve those goals. The Career Pathways Program offers opportunities for employees to improve their knowledge and skills in content areas that will enable them to achieve their career goals, with programs and processes in place to support those objectives.
Career Pathways is excited to partner with the Supporting Services Training Corps and Paraeducator Programs!
Employees can find information and resources related to paraeducator programs, supporting services professional learning, and higher education partnerships on the Career Pathways webpage.
The Department of Professional Learning leads the visioning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of a reimagined professional learning process that supports all staff to create an antiracist, equitable, and inclusive school district where all students, families, and staff feel safe, valued, seen, heard, and successful.
1. Increase awareness of, and engagement with, the MCPS Career Pathways Program, to make employees aware of existing services and resources to help them in their professional growth.
2. Increase employee retention through initiatives designed to increase employee engagement and satisfaction.
3. Provide enhanced leadership training and opportunities for supporting services employees to prepare future leaders of MCPS.
4. Promote a culture of learning and development, to compete with other businesses and reinforce MCPS as a premier employer in Montgomery County, MD.
The Career Pathways Ambassador Program provides on-site support for employees across the organization. Each ambassador uses their unique skills and experience to provide support to employees at their work site(s) and beyond. To learn more about the ambassadors and the work they are doing for MCPS supporting services employees, visit the Ambassador Program webpage below.
The Career Pathways Team manages the SEIU Mentoring Program for supporting services employees. Our mentors represent many different SEIU chapters and have a variety of expertise to share with employees.
To learn more about the program, including how to connect with a mentor, check out the Mentoring Program webpage below.
The Supporting Services Professional Learning Unit is dedicated to advancing the growth and development of supporting services professionals through high-quality professional learning experiences that are aligned with the Seven Core Competencies. Our charge is to foster a culture of continuous learning that equips staff with the knowledge, skills, and practices necessary to enhance student achievement, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and promote career advancement.
We are committed to:
Through this work, the Supporting Services Professional Learning Unit serves as a catalyst for both individual and organizational success, advancing the mission of the school system to provide all students with the opportunity to achieve at the highest levels.
Paraeducators are a vital part of our educational system and integral for student achievement and success. The almost 5000 paraeducators in MCPS work across schools supporting students in infants and toddlers, PreK, K-12, and through transitions for our older exceptional learners. They work in general education and across the spectrum of special education services. There are 14 position codes for paraeducators and three levels of service. Paras all have one thing in common: they collaborate with and support teachers so our students can be the best they can be! Our paraeducators are positive, flexible, and skilled.
Listed below are resources for paraeducators to learn and grow within the paraeducator position. Learning opportunities are offered during the school year.
Class Coverage and Language Differential - Contract Language
Special Education In-Service Training Day
The Department of Professional Learning offers higher education partnership opportunities to MCPS employees seeking teacher certification, continuing professional development, or pursuing career advancement. To be eligible for any MCPS higher education partnership, one must be a permanent, benefits-eligible MCPS employee. Temporary and non-employees can explore permanent employment opportunities via MCPS Careers.
To learn more, visit the Higher Education Partnerships webpage.
Do you have a question about career pathways in MCPS? Or do you want to schedule a consultation?
Fill out our Intake Form and tell us how we can help!
Nathalie Bourdereau - Career Pathways Program Manager
Sally Murek- Paraeducator Program Manager
Victor Santiago- Staff Development Program Manager
Heather Harman - Career Pathways Program Specialist
This tab contains reports on the Career Pathways Program from prior fiscal years.
FY25 Career Pathways Program Brocure
FY24 Career Pathways Program Report
Department of Professional Learning - Supporting Services Course Catalog
Click on the link above to view the course catalog.
On the Supporting Services Team at the Department of Professional Learning, we are committed to helping every MCPS supporting services employee thrive, both in their current role and as they prepare for the next step in their career journey. Our services are designed to meet you where you are and provide the tools, guidance, and opportunities you need to succeed.
Our Services Include:
Whether you are just starting, seeking growth in your current role, or ready to take on leadership responsibilities, we are here to support your journey every step of the way.
This three-part workshop (three 2-hour sessions) is designed to build the essential leadership skills that help supporting services professionals grow in confidence, impact, and effectiveness. Through case studies, interactive activities, and practical tools, participants will explore leadership styles, strengthen emotional intelligence, and practice peer coaching strategies. The sessions focus on learning to lead oneself with clarity, lead others with trust and influence, and lead the work with improved systems and outcomes. In addition, participants will examine the characteristics of effective leaders and the expectations of MCPS leaders and supervisors, gaining insights and strategies that can be applied immediately in their professional roles.
Sign up on PDO, Course #93935
The Career Pathways Program for supporting services employees offers staff a year-long leadership development program to develop the skills and competencies necessary to be effective leaders in Montgomery County Public Schools.
Note: This program is not available via PDO. Interested individuals can apply during the application window. If you are interested and the application is not live, you can fill out the waitlist form below.
Important dates related to supporting services professional learning.
SPT10 Pay Dates
| Training Date(s) | Payday Date |
| 08/18/2025-10/17/2025 | 11/14/2025 |
| 10/18/2025-01/09/2026 | 02/06/2026 |
| 01/10/2026-03/06/2026 | 04/03/2026 |
| 03/07/2026-06/26/2026 | 06/26/2026 |
The Career Pathways Team collaborates closely with staff and partners to promote ongoing professional development and drive meaningful change, ensuring equitable and impactful educational outcomes for every student, staff member, and family. We actively engage with the communities we serve by participating in a range of internal and external activities.
This section highlights some of our school visits and activities.
The team supported New Educator Orientation (NEO) at Paint Branch High School to help our new teachers start the year off right!
The first week of school, the team was at Stephen Knolls School, Cabin Branch Elementary School, and Cabin John Middle School, supporting students' transition back to school.
Click on the pictures below to see more!
